Apricot tree &#34;Earli-Autumn&#34;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of apricot tree Prunus armeniaca, which has the following unique combination of outstanding features that are desirable in a new variety: 
     1. Late maturity of fruit. 
     2. Producing mild, sweet, sub-acid fruit with good flavor and eating quality. 
     3. Fruit with good handling and shipping quality. 
     4. Heavy and regular production of fruit. 
     5. Vigorous, semi-spreading growth. 
     6. Fruit having a high soluble solids (average of 16.0 Brix).

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The present new and distinct variety of apricot tree was originated byus in our experimental orchard, located near Modesto, Calif., as a firstgeneration cross between two selected seedlings, with fieldidentification numbers 12H137 and 67EB393. The female parent,identification number 12H137, originated from a cross between AutumnRoyal Apricot (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,906) and Tracy Apricot (U.S. PlantPat. No. 3,062). The pollen parent, identification number 67EB393,originated from a cross between an open pollinated Modesto Apricot (U.S.Plant Pat.No. 2,543) seedling and a late maturing seedling of unknownparentage. A large group of these first generation seedlings were grownand maintained under careful observation by us and the present latematuring apricot variety evidenced the distinctive, desirable fruitcharacteristics described above and was selected for asexualreproduction and commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of apricot tree was asexually reproduced bybudding, as performed by us in our experimental located near Modesto,Calif., and shows that all characteristics run true to the original treeand are established and transmitted in succeeding propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of apricot tree is of large size, vigorous,semi-spreading growth, and a heavy and regular bearer of yellow flesh,semi-freestone fruit with good flavor and eating quality. The fruit isfurther characterized by being medium in size, having good handling andshipping quality, having a high degree of soluble solids (average of16.0 Brix), and ripening in the late maturity season.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimensof the foliage and fruit of the present new variety of apricot tree. Theupper and lower surface of the leaves are illustrated, the exterior andsectional view of the fruit being divided in the suture plane to revealflesh coloration; pit cavity and a stone remaining in place. Thephotographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked atmaturity(shipping ripe) and the colors are as nearly true as isreasonably possible in a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new anddistinct variety of apricot tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit asbased on observations of specimens grown near Modesto, Calif. with colorterminology (except those in common terms) in accordance with ReinholdColor Atlas by A. Kornerup and J. H. Wanshcer.

Tree:

Size.--Large.

Vigor.--Vigorous.

Growth.--Semi-spreading

Density.--Medium dense.

Productivity.--Productive.

Bearing.--Regular.

Trunk:

Size.--Large.

Texture.--Shaggy.

Color.--Brown to grayish brown (5-E-8) to (5--E-5).

Branches:

Size.--Medium

Texture.--Smooth to medium rough, varies with maturity.

Lenticels.--Medium size. Numerous.

Color.--New growth -- greenish brown. Old growth -- light brown tobrown.

Leaves:

Size.--Medium. Average length 41/2". Average width 13/4".

Form.--Ovate. Pointed.

Texture.--Smooth.

Margin.--Serrate.

Petiole.--Average length 11/8". Medium thickness.

Glands.--Number varies from 1 to 4. Average number 3. Globose. Majoritylocated on upper portion of petiole, few on base of leaf blade.

Color.--Upper surface -- green to dark green (29-F-6) to (29-F-7). Lowersurface -- light green to dull green (29-E-4) to (29-E-6).

Flower buds:

Size.--Medium to large.

Length.--Medium.

Form.--Plump.

Flowers:

Blooming period.--Date of first bloom: Mar. 1, 1994. Date of full bloom:Mar. 6, 1994. Varies slightly with climatic conditions.

Size.--Large.

Color.--Pink.

Pollen.--Present.

Fruit:

Maturity when described.--Firm ripe.

Date of first picking.--Aug. 8, 1994.

Date of last picking.--Aug. 12, 1994.

Size.--Medium. Average diameter axially 21/8". Average diameter insuture plane 21/8". Average diameter measured at right angles to sutureplane 1".

Form.--Nearly Globose--sides slightly compressed toward suture plane andslightly flattened at base.

Suture.--Pronounced, extends from base to apex.

Ventral surface.--Nearly round, varies from round to very slightlylipped.

Apex.--Usually slightly retuse, varies from slightly retuse to round.

Base.--Retuse.

Cavity.--Slightly elongated in suture plane. Average depth 3/8". Averagebredth 1/2".

Flesh:

Ripens.--Evenly.

Texture.--Firm.

Amygdalin.--Undetected.

Juice.--Moderate.

Aroma.--Moderate.

Flavor.--Good, mild, sweet, sub-acid.

Eating quality.--Good.

Fibers.--Very small, tender.

Color.--Yellow to light orange (4-A-5) to (5-A-3).

Skin:

Thickness.--Medium.

Texture.--Medium.

Tendency to crack.--None.

Down.--Moderate, short.

Color.--Light yellow to yellow (4-A-3) to (4-A-5).

Stone:

Type.--Semi-freestone. Amount of flesh adhering to stone varies slightlywith fruit maturity.

Size.--Medium. Average length 11/8". Average width 3/4". Averagethickness 1/2".

Form.--Oval to ovoid.

Base.--Usually straight--varies from straight to round.

Apex.--Usually slight point--varies from slight point to round.

Sides.--Equal to unequal.

Ridges.--Slight ridges extending across surface of the stone on oppositesides of suture plane.

Surface.--Slightly pitted throughout.

Tendency to split.--None.

Color.--Brown to dark brown 96-D-4) to (6-E-4).

Use: Dessert.

Market.--Local and long distance.

Keeping quality: Good.

Shipping quality: Good.

The present new variety of apricot tree, its flowers, foliage and fruitherein described many vary inslight detail due to cultural practices,soiltypes and climatic conditions under which the variety may be grown;the present description is that of the variety grown under theecological conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif.

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of apricot tree, substantiallyas illustrated and described, characterized by its large size, vigoroussemi-spreading growth and a productive and regular bearer of mediumsize, yellow flesh, semi-freestone fruit with good flavor and eatingquality; the fruit is further characterized by having good handling andshipping quality, having a high degree of soluble solids (average 16.0Brix), and ripening in the late maturity season.